Turkey's İŞKUR and BİK sign protocol to train media sector workforce

Turkey's Public Employment Service (İŞKUR) and the Press Announcement Agency (BİK) signed a two‑year cooperation protocol aimed at strengthening the media and communications labor market. The agreement, witnessed by the Minister of Labour and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan and Presidential Communications President Burhanettin Duran, outlines three support mechanisms: On‑the‑Job Training Programs, Vocational Education Courses and Professional Education for employees.

Participants will receive net minimum‑wage payments during training, with health, work‑injury and occupational disease insurance covered by İŞKUR. Training costs, instructor fees and necessary expenses are funded by the agencies. Upon successful completion, trainees are to be employed for at least twice the training period in affiliated newspapers, internet news sites and periodicals, targeting 652 print outlets, 366 online portals and 57 pending publications.

Regional officials in Konya and Mardin highlighted the protocol’s potential to equip young graduates and job‑seekers with practical experience, while also upgrading the skills of current media staff to meet digital transformation demands. The program seeks to create a qualified talent pipeline for Turkey’s evolving media ecosystem.